Suspended plant growing system

ABSTRACT

A plant growing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of legs extending upward from a surface, connectors holding the plurality of legs stationary, a holding mechanism connected to at least one of the plurality of legs and the connectors, a mesh-like bag that is secured by the connectors, and wherein the mesh-like bag is held between the plurality of legs and elevated over the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a plant container, and more particularly, to aplant container that provides the most optimum exposure to air forair-pruning of a plant's roots.

A common problem experienced by commercial ornamental horticulturalnurseries is circling and kinking of a plant's root system due to theplant developing its root system in a container not designed to reducethe chances for the roots to circle and/or kink. One form of kinking iswhen a taproot reaches the base of a container and then curves upward,thus forming a “J” root. This “J” root could kill a plant.

Another issue faced by nurseries is insuring that plants grow asvertical as possible. This becomes a more significant issue whennurseries are established on ground that is not level or when a nurseryis in an area that experiences significant wind gusts. Either of theseenvironmental conditions can result in a plant not growing vertical. Thedirection a plant's roots grow is particularly important. Tree roots areestablished early and do not change direction once they are established.Tree roots generally grow out from the center of the tree and down tothe depth of the environment provided for the roots to grow. The moreroots developed, the healthier the circulatory system and ability touptake nutrients and moisture. The goal in growing the plant is todevelop as many fibrous, hair-like roots as possible before the treereaches a 1 to 2 inch caliper size. Additionally, the fibrous rootsshould be well branched and as straight as possible for a successfultransplant into the next container size or a landscape project.

Air-root pruning is one approached used to reduce J-root formation. Byusing air-root pruning, ends of a root are exposed to air. Typically, aplastic container is used where a plurality of openings are formedthrough the container's sidewall and/or base. Because a container isstill needed to properly hold the root ball of a plant, the surface areaof the container is comprised more of the plastic, or some othermaterial, than openings to allow air-root pruning.

Plant growers would benefit from a growing container that is able toprovide for pruning plant roots while also being able to optimallyfunction in various environmental conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method forimproving root development of a plant where air-root pruning is possiblearound all outer surfaces of a container. In a preferred embodiment aplant growing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a plurality oflegs extending upward from a surface, such as the ground. Connectors areprovided for holding the plurality of legs stationary. A holdingmechanism is also provided and is connected to at least one of theplurality of legs and the connectors. A mesh-like bag is used and issecured in place by the connectors. The mesh-like bag is held betweenthe plurality of legs and elevated over the surface. A given distancebetween the surface and the container is maintained to insure adequateairflow across the entirety of the container to insure complete airpruning of all emerging root tips.

A method for air-root pruning and insuring a vertical growing plant isalso disclosed. The method comprises providing a container that has moresurface area with no material than actual material comprising thecontainer.

Providing support legs that connect to the container near a top of saidcontainer is also disclosed. The method further discloses suspending thecontainer above a surface that the support legs are rest upon. Thecontainer and plant are allowed to move from a vertical startingposition and to sway when wind is applied against the container andplant. The container and plant then return to their starting positionwhen the wind has ceased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The invention itself, both as to organization andmethod of operation, may best be understood by reference to thefollowing description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like numbers represent like parts throughout the drawings, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention connected to a ground surface and encountering wind;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a net bag;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of another net bag;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention with an insert bag support ring;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention with a removable locking ring;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionhaving a net bag fastened with eight fasteners;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a rectangular frame assembly; and

FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram of a method of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the inventionwill now be described. The scope of the invention disclosed isapplicable to a plurality of containers used for growing andtransporting plants, such as trees. Thus, even though embodiments aredescribed specific to using a cylindrical mesh-like bag, one skilled inthe art will recognize how the invention is also applicable to othercontainment devices.

FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate elevational views of exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. As illustrated, a mesh-like bag 10 is suspended froma frame 12. The frame 12 has a minimum of three base legs 13. Asillustrated, rings 15 are connected to the base legs 13, which give theframe 12 a circular configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, tworings 15 are provided where both rings 15 are of equal diameter andthickness. In another exemplary embodiment, the rings 15 are wider indiameter the further the rings are placed down the base legs 13 as thebase legs 13 reach the ground 20, as further illustrated in FIG. 3.

The ring 15 positioned a furthest distance from the ground 20, or theend of the leg 13 that is placed upon or in a ground surface, may belocated at a plurality of locations. For example, as illustrated in FIG.3, a first ring 16 is near the top of the invention 5. Whereas in FIGS.1 and 2, the base legs 13 extend a considerable distance above thehighest ring 17. Though two rings are illustrated, more or fewer ringsmay be used, where even half rings connecting certain legs together maybe used (not illustrated). The number of rings may be determined basedon the structural strength of the material being used for the presentinvention 5 as well as the estimated weight of the soil, root-ball, andplant, when all are dry as well as when all are wet. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the rings 15 possess a thickness where thethickness of the rings 15 is tapered at an angle resulting in thediameter of the ring 15 increasing at a lower position when compared toa high position on the ring 15.

The legs 13 and rings 15 can be made of a plurality of materials, suchas but not limited to, PVC pipe to metal wire, rods or tubing. Thethickness or material determination will be based upon the estimateweight of the plant to be held suspended above the ground. In preferredembodiments, heavier channel frames can be used to suspend much largerroot balls that weigh between 250 to 600 pounds. When metal wire, rodsor tubing is used, the pieces can be welded together and assembled atthe point of manufacture or can be configured for assembly at a place ofusage.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, to insure that a plant growsvertically when the invention is placed on uneven ground, the legs 13are configured to extend or retract to an acceptable distance. A releasedevice 25 is provided on each individual leg 13 to extend and/or retractthe respective leg 13. To further insure that the plant is growingvertically, levels 27, such as spirit levels, are built into orconnected to the invention, such as to a ring. As illustrated in FIG. 1,a single level or a plurality of levels may be placed on or constructedinto the present invention, at a plurality of locations upon the frame.Thus, when placing the present invention upon a surface, a user can viewthe level and adjust respective legs accordingly to insure the plant ishanging vertically. In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG.2, the legs 13 of the assembly may be inserted directly into a groundsurface 20.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are exemplary embodiments of cylindrically shapedcontainers 10, such as mesh-like bags. These bags may be biodegradableor reusable synthetic materials. As illustrated, cylindrically shapedcontainers, constructed of a biodegradable or reusable synthetic mesh ornet, is provided. In a preferred use, natural materials are used forlager plants and can be transplanted directly into the landscape withoutany detrimental effect to a plant that may result from having to removeit from a bag.

The top half of the mesh-like bag has a reinforced band 30 with handles32 that extend from the band 30. As further illustrated by FIG. 5, thebase 34 of the mesh-like bag may comprise a plurality of shapes with orwithout a reinforced bottom. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, aninterior lining 40 may also be provided. The interior lining 40 mayconsist of natural fibered materials that re designed to allow roots topenetrate it. Once roots penetrate the interior lining 40, the roots areexposed to air, wherein air-root pruning may occur.

As one skilled in the art will readily recognize, a plurality of methodsare available for holding the mesh-like bag 10 in place upon theassembly 7. The examples provided below are for illustrational purposesonly and are not to be considered the only ways to hold the mesh-likebag 10 to the assembly 7. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the handlesor locking mechanisms on the net or mesh-like bag are placed around thetop ends of the legs. As further illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, thehandles 32, or locking mechanisms, may also be double looped 33, 35wherein the outer loop 33 is provided as a lifting strap. In anotherexemplary embodiment, further illustrated in FIG. 6, the net ormesh-like bag 10 does not have handles, but has a top seam 50 and anopening 42 to allow a support ring 55 to be slipped through the seam 50.The support ring 55 inside the seam 50 is fashioned and fitted ontoconnectors 57 extending from the top end of the legs 13, allowing it torest on the legs 13 or, in another exemplary embodiment, upon a topstationary ring 17. In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG.7, the net or mesh bag 10 is draped over a side of a top removable ring60. With the draped material being placed around the removable bagsupport ring 60, it is then inserted inside a top fixed ring 65, whichwedges the material 62 between the fixed 65 and removable top ring 60.

The bag 10 is constructed to a specific length so that a specificdistance is available between the ground 20 and the bottom of the netbag. Depending on the construction of the bag 10 and the type of plantbeing grown, the specific distance can vary from less than an inch toover twelve inches. The reason for the specific distance is to insureairflow along the bottom of the bag 10 without structure directingairflow to the bottom of the bag 10.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionhaving a net bag 10 fastened with eight fasteners 69 and FIG. 9 is anelevational view of a cubical frame assembly 7. As illustrated, thepresent invention 5 can be configured for other shapes other thancylindrical. As further illustrated, more than three connectors forsecuring the mesh-like bag 10 are also available.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9, base feet 70 are provided. In apreferred embodiment, the base feet 70 are perforated, or posses holes71 to allow a staking rod or anchoring device 72 to secure the frame 7to a ground surface 20. For example when a channel frame is used, whichcannot be inserted into the ground 30, anchoring devices 72 are used. Inanother preferred embodiment, the base feet 70 provide a wider base (notillustrated) which provides a greater surface area that contacts theground 20.

In an exemplary operation, illustrated in FIG. 10, when a plant isinitially planted, the mesh bag 10 is secured to the assembly 7 usingthe fasteners 69 connected to the assembly Steps 82 and 84. Thefasteners 69 can be a top end of base legs 12. A soil mix is poured intothe mesh-like bag 10, to a suitable depth to support bottom root ballgrowth. The plant and root ball are then placed into the bag 10 and heldupright in place until additional soil mix can be added around the sidesStep 80. The plant and soil mix is then sufficiently wetted to removeany internal air spaces that may have developed during the plantingprocess. Once in place, because of its elevated position, properair-root pruning is made possible around sides of the root ball with noreduction of air flow due to the ground or limited air flow because of agreater amount of container surface area Step 90. When windy weatherconditions are encountered, the mesh-like bag is able to sway in thewind and is then able to return to a vertical condition once the windceases Steps 86 and 88.

When a plurality of the present invention is used in a nursery, eachframe 12 can be placed at a given distance from the next frame. Afterplants are sold, the bag 10 and plant are removed from the frame 12,leaving the frame stationary. Furthermore, being suspended allows a tree100 to move in unison with a wind gust while not disturbing the plant'sroot ball, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A healthy root ball benefits fromthe least amount of movement.

While the invention has been described in what is presently consideredto be a preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the specific illustrativeembodiment, but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of theappended claims.

1. A plant growing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: (a) a pluralityof legs extending upward from a surface; (b) connectors holding saidplurality of legs stationary; (c) a holding mechanism connected to atleast one of said plurality of legs and said connectors; (d) a mesh-likebag that is secured by said connectors; and (e) wherein said mesh-likebag is held between said plurality of legs and elevated over saidsurface.
 2. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said each ofsaid plurality of legs further comprises extensions that are adjustableto select a desired height for each of said plurality of legs.
 3. Theplant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein a level device is connectedto said connectors.
 4. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid connectors comprise a plurality of rings.
 5. The plant growingapparatus of claim 4 wherein each descending ring is a wider diameterthan a ring immediately above it.
 6. The plant growing apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein each said descending ring has a top edge and a bottomedge and wherein a diameter of top edge is smaller than a diameter ofsaid bottom edge.
 7. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidmesh-like bag is biodegradable.
 8. The plant growing apparatus of claim1 wherein said mesh-like bag further comprises a reinforced band.
 9. Theplant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connectors comprise aplurality of hook formed by where a plurality of legs meets.
 10. Theplant growing apparatus of claim 9 wherein said mesh-like bag comprisesa plurality of handles wherein each of said plurality of handles fitaround a respective each of said plurality of handles.
 11. The plantgrowing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connectors comprises aremovable support ring.
 12. The plant growing apparatus of claim 11wherein said mesh-like bag further comprises a seam through which saidremovable support ring is placed.
 13. The plant growing apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein said removable support ring is connected to saidplurality of connectors.
 14. The plant growing apparatus of claim 11wherein said mesh-like bag further comprises excess material at a topend that is placed around said removable support ring.
 15. The plantgrowing apparatus of claim 14 wherein said connectors comprises astationary top ring and wherein said removable support ring is connectedto said stationary top ring.
 16. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1wherein each of said plurality of legs further comprises a base.
 17. Theplant growing apparatus of claim 16 wherein said base is perforated toallow an anchoring device to pass therethrough.
 18. The plant growingapparatus of claim 16 wherein said base provides an expanded surfacearea to contact said surface.
 19. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1wherein said mesh-like bag comprises more surface area with no materialthan material comprising said bag.
 20. The plant growing apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said mesh-like bag further comprises an interior lining.21. The plant growing apparatus of claim 20 wherein said interior liningcomprises a natural fibered material that a root may penetrate.
 22. Theplant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality oflegs is inserted into a ground surface.
 23. The plant growing apparatusof claim 1 wherein a distance between said surface and said container ismaintained to insure airflow around all outer surfaces of saidcontainer.
 24. A method of air-root pruning and insuring a verticalgrowing plant, said method comprising: (a) providing a container thathas more surface area with no material than material comprising saidcontainer; (b) providing support legs that connect to said containernear a top of said container; (c) suspending said container above asurface that said support legs rest upon; (d) allowing said container tomove from a vertical starting position and to sway when wind is appliedagainst said container; (e) returning said container to said startingposition when said wind has ceased (f) controlling root growth in everydirection a root may grow with air-root pruning.
 25. The method of claim24 wherein providing said container further comprises providing saidcontainer that permits air-root pruning of a root system to occur. 26.The method of claim 25 wherein providing said container furthercomprises providing an interior linear that is penetratable by a rootsystem wherein once said interior linear is penetrated, said root systemencounters air-root pruning.